Abu Dhabi comes alive this 41st UAE National Day weekend with a wealth of amazing activities, fantastic firework shows, captivating concerts, dazzling displays and heritage attractions. Running across the emirate from November 26 until December 3, visitors and residents alike can join in the free celebrations to mark the country’s union over four decades ago.
A highlight will be the double fireworks display on December 2 when two, 10 minute long displays will wow crowds simultaneously on Abu Dhabi Corniche and Mina Zayed, Al Gharbia. Set to ‘YA KHALIFATNA’ – a remix version of the classic UAE song, ‘Zanaha Zayed’ – a 1996 hit written by renowned Emirati poet Arif Al Khaja - the displays will see more than 17,000 fireworks, or ‘shots’, fly skywards from a collection of boats, barges and on-land stations.
Other great activities include the Union Car Parade on Yas Island, where the best dressed vehicle will scoop an impressive AED25,000 prize; amazing free-to-attend activities on the Corniche, including hot air balloon rides; as well as concerts by top Khaleeji performers across the emirate; falconry competitions; sailing regattas; art festivals and theatrical shows.
Join our 41st UAE National Day emirate-wide events:
Union Car Parade
When: Dec 2
Time: parade starts at 5pm. Participants are encouraged to arrive by 2pm to ease traffic congestion
Where: Yas Island
Fireworks Display
When: Dec 1-2
Time: 8.30pm
Where: Corniche
Fireworks Display
When: Dec 1-2
Time: 8.30pm
Where: Al Gharbia
Khaleeji Concerts
When: December 1 & 2
Time: from 8.30pm
Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre (ADNEC), Delma Island beach and Madinat Zayed (Western Region)
Dec 1
Abu Dhabi
- Majed al Mouhandes
- Mouna Amarcha
- Mansour Zayed
- Aida Al Menhali
Al Gharbia
- Hamad Al Amiri
- Rouwaida al Mahrougi
- Abd el Mouneim Al Aamri
Dalma Island
- Saaid Al Salem
- Ourayb
- Mouhamad Al Mazroui
Dec 2
Abu Dhabi
- Rabeh Sager
- Houssein al Jasmi
- Aryam
Al Gharbia
- Mansour Zayed
- Mouna Amarcha
- Fayez Al Said
Delma Isand
- Hazaa Al Raisi
- Rouwayda al Mahrougi
- Abd el Mouneim Al Aamri
Al Qattara Traditional Market
When: Dec 1 – January 31
Time: 9am-8pm
Where: Souq Al Qattara, Al Ain
Al Forsan Air Show
When: Dec 2
Time: 4pm
Where: Corniche
Emirati Theatre Shows
When: November 26, 28, 30 and December 2
Where: Abu Dhabi Theatre
Sailing Regatta
When: December 2-3
Where: Corniche Breakwater
Cultural Festival
When: December 2
Where: Heritage Village, Corniche Breakwater
Abu Dhabi Falconry Competition
When: November 29 – Dec 3
Where: Al Wathba, Abu Dhabi
Website: www.fcad.ae
Emirates International Date Palm Festival
When: November 26 – Dec 1
Where: Abu Dhabi National Exhibition Centre
Website:
http://www.adnec.ae/adnec/whatson/eventdetails/6th-international-date-palm-festival-2012